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large rodent with no tail

From: Jen Ward
City: Edwardsville, IL

Early this a.m. (3 or so) a mammal was naar our front door. It resembled a rodent. It was much larger than a domestic cat. It waddled slowly. It didn't have a tail. It was tan/light brown and left scat with seeds in it. Its back was hunched, or tapered as a raccoon's back does. I have no idea what animal this could be, as groundhogs have tails and from what I've read, only leave scat underground. Any ideas what this aniimal is? I am in Southern, IL near MO. Thank you.

The description doesn't quite fit any of the native wildlife we have in Illinois. Larger than a domestic cat, light brown fur, and waddles is indicative of raccoon or woodchuck. But both species have noticeable tails. Bobcats have very short tails, but you definitely wouldn't describe their movements as waddling. If you can send me a photo of the animal or its scat (with a ruler next to it for scale) I might be able to identify the mystery visitor.

From: Matthew Jenkins
City: Indianapolis, IN

What you're describing sounds like a capybara. But they're native to S. America, so it was probably a 3am dream.